Cervical lymphadenitis how to treat. Cervical lymphadenitis: causes, symptoms, treatment features. Lymphadenitis - video

Lymph nodes play an important role as a protective barrier against bacteria, fungi and other pathogenic infections. Lymphadenitis is an enlargement of the lymph nodes against the background of their inflammation, which indicates the development of the disease. Cervical lymphadenitis affects superficial nodes in the neck, and this allows visual detection of pathologies in the early stages.

Types of cervical lymphadenitis

Cervical lymphadenitis is usually divided into two types, based on the nature and intensity of the inflammation process:

1. Acute cervical lymphadenitis. In accordance with the international classification of diseases, tenth revision (ICD 10), it is classified as infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. In medical practice, such a manifestation of the disease is indicated by the code L0, where the zero after the dot refers to the regional location (face, neck and head);
2. Chronic cervical lymphadenitis. This type is often more complex in nature; according to ICD 10, it belongs to the category of diseases of the veins, lymphatic vessels and nodes. Code I1 implies lymphadenitis of any type, with the exception of mesenteric.

Another type is recurrent lymphadenitis. This form develops and exists due to chronic pathologies in the body.

Lymphadenitis of the neck is a common occurrence in children; the nodes become inflamed against the background of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, possibly pneumonia, and does not pose a great danger.

If cervical lymphadenitis is detected in adults, then this requires increased attention, as it may be the cause or consequence of a more complex disease. Moreover, in adulthood, both in women and men, this phenomenon is rare; it often develops, and.

Spicy

The cause of acute lymphadenitis is external viral bacteria that enter the lymph nodes through the bloodstream and lymph flow from damage to the skin, acne; in connection with surgical operations.

Microorganisms in the oral cavity, lack of hygiene and even untimely visits to the dentist are all causes of acute lymphadenitis of the face and neck. The cervical lymph nodes, being regional for this area, will be the first to take the hit and become inflamed.

In the fight against acute lymphadenitis, the main thing is the reaction; by contacting a specialist in time, you can avoid unpleasant consequences. The advanced acute form in some cases worsens and develops into a purulent form, or becomes a chronic process.

Chronic

The cause of chronic lymphadenitis, as mentioned above, is the acute form of this pathology, which did not receive appropriate treatment in time. Chronic lymphadenitis indicates long-term bacterial and infectious processes in the body.

However, in order to choose the necessary course of treatment, it is extremely important to establish the primary cause of the disease. Cervical lymphadenitis can occur not as a local syndrome, but as a consequence of the development of more complex diseases in the body, including oncology (spread of metastases).

Causes of this disease

There are two types of causes: infectious and non-infectious.

If cervical lymphadenitis is diagnosed, and examination identifies it as an independent disease, then the cause is infectious. The causative agents are various microorganisms: streptococci, staphylococci, tuberculosis bacilli, fungi, HIV.

Infectious cervical lymphadenitis can be caused by injuries in the head or neck area. It is important that due to the superficial location of the nodes, signs of inflammation are easy to detect at an early stage. The situation with armpit nodes is identical. Read more about the inflammatory processes of the axillary lymph nodes in the article

Non-infectious lymphadenitis appears against the background of other malignant pathologies in the body, often oncology. Cervical lymphadenitis is associated with lymphoma or the formation of metastases of cancerous tumors in other areas. Non-infectious lymphadenitis can also be caused by a foreign body in the body.

Symptoms

With lymphadenitis, symptoms and treatment depend on the nature of the underlying pathology and its location in the body. A number of the main signs of inflammation are identical:

• Changes in the size of lymph nodes;
• Painful sensations when pressed;
• Headache and general weakness;
• Inflamed cervical nodes make swallowing difficult;
• Fever.

The cervical lymph nodes can become inflamed along with the submandibular ones, which is typical for the manifestation of angina symptoms. Also, cervical lymphadenitis is a common symptom of tuberculosis infection.

The signs of the chronic form of the pathology are identical, but appear with some frequency over a long time.

Stages of inflammation

Depending on the intensity of inflammation, the process can develop at different speeds. At the initial stages, there is a slight increase and pain on palpation, which, with timely treatment, leads to a rapid recovery from local lymphadenitis. If the causes are deeper, this will lead to the opportunity to diagnose a dangerous disease and begin treatment immediately.

Advanced lymphadenitis develops into a serious form, which is characterized by constant pain. The nodes become denser and enlarge even more.

The extreme stage is acute purulent lymphadenitis, which leads to tissue damage. The person’s condition deteriorates greatly, the temperature rises to a critical level, the skin in the area of ​​​​the inflamed nodes changes color.

At the stage of purulent formations, urgent hospitalization and medical supervision are required to prevent pus from entering the body.

Diagnosis of pathology

To diagnose the disease, you should not wait for the intensity of the first symptoms to increase. Only a specialist can correctly determine the reasons.

The main methods for diagnosing pathologies of lymph nodes are:

• Visual inspection, ;
• MRI, CT, ultrasound;
• Biopsy of inflamed lymph nodes;
• Carrying out histological analysis.

Treatment options

Depending on the main focus and stage of development of the disease, a treatment method or a combination of them is selected. There are several ways:

• Medication;
• Physiotherapeutic;
• Surgical.

In the early stages of lymphadenitis, you must also follow simple recommendations and remain calm, do not injure the inflamed area, and drink plenty of water.

Drug treatment

If the cause of the development of cervical or other lymphadenitis is an external infection, then antibiotics are mandatory. If purulent formations are present, the course of antibiotics can be adjusted or supplemented.

Antibiotics help destroy the infection, as the main source of the disease, after which the lymph nodes should return to normal.

If the examination results reveal a cancerous cause of lymphadenitis, the patient is prescribed a course of chemotherapy or radiation.

Physiotherapy for cervical lymphadenitis

Among the main procedures in physiotherapy are:

• Electrophoresis (improves microcirculation in the area of ​​inflammation);
• UHF therapy (helps improve immunity);
• Galvanization (used as a restorative procedure after eliminating the underlying cause of the disease).

Physiotherapeutic procedures are aimed at improving the general condition of the patient. Most often they are performed in the early stages of pathology, in combination with other methods and to speed up the recovery process.

Surgery

Surgical treatment of lymphadenitis is most often used in the last stages of inflammation, when purulent formations appear.

If drug treatment does not lead to results, the inflamed area is opened, pus and affected tissue are removed, and drainage is performed. After surgery, antibiotics are immediately prescribed to prevent further spread of the infection.

If the disease is oncological, it is possible to remove part of the regional lymph nodes, both in case of lymphoma and in case of metastasis of tumors in other areas.

Treatment of cervical lymphadenitis with traditional methods at home

There are a number of folk recipes, but only a doctor can determine how to treat inflammation.

For example, the following are used as compresses:

1. Baked onions with the addition of a spoonful of pharmaceutical tar, wrapped in gauze.
2. Echinacea tincture mixed with warm water in a 1:2 ratio. You need to moisten gauze in the solution and fix the compress on the inflamed area, possibly for the whole night.

The most popular drink is a recipe using echinacea tincture. In this case, 20-40 drops are diluted in half a glass of water and taken orally 2-3 times a day without reference to food intake.

Prevention and prognosis

The main recommendation for the prevention of lymphadenitis is to be attentive to your own health. Regular visual examination and palpation of superficial lymph nodes can be carried out at home, and at the first suspicion of symptoms, consult a doctor for advice.

It is necessary to carefully monitor and treat skin lesions to prevent infection, and be examined by a dentist.

It is recommended to exclude harmful and heavy foods as much as possible from your diet. At the first signs of inflammation of the lymph nodes, do not consume dairy products, but diversify your diet with fruits, vegetables and seafood.

As with other diseases, it is important to help the body maintain immunity by taking vitamin complexes.

The term "lymphadenitis" has Latin and Greek roots and is translated as "inflammation of the lymph gland." As a rule, this is not an independent disease, but a complication that occurs as a consequence of the primary inflammatory process. In some cases, the primary focus cannot be identified, but most often the infection enters the body through the skin or mucous tissue. The causative agents of lymphadenitis are staphylococci and streptococci - pyogenic microorganisms that enter the lymph nodes through the vessels of the lymphatic system from foci of purulent inflammation, occurring in acute or chronic form. Pathogens can be transmitted through lymph flow or through direct contact.

All lymphadenitis is classified into purulent and non-purulent, and depending on the duration of the process and the nature of its course - into acute and chronic. The source of inflammation can be localized either in one lymph node or in several at once, if they are nearby. In this case, the further development of the process often becomes the cause of purulent melting of the affected node or nodes.

As for cervical lymphadenitis, in this disease inflammation affects the lymph nodes located in the neck. In the vast majority of cases, it is diagnosed in children, however, it also occurs in adults. It should be noted that cervical lymphadenitis in children occurs in a much milder form than in adult patients.

Reasons for the development of cervical lymphadenitis

Cervical lymphadenitis is initiated by pathogenic bacteria and viruses, which cause diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, tonsillitis, otitis, rhinitis, etc. Also, slowly progressing diseases affecting the oral cavity, including gingivitis, caries, and periodontal disease, can lead to enlarged lymph nodes. In addition, a prerequisite for the development of the disease is often inflammatory lesions of the epidermal layer of skin on the face, neck and head (this could be, for example, carbuncles or abscesses).

The cause of cervical lymphadenitis, in which there is a pronounced enlargement of the lymph nodes on both sides of the neck, are diseases such as toxoplasmosis, infectious mononucleosis, various types of infiltrative lesions, as well as taking antiepileptic drugs with anticonvulsant action (for example, phenytoin).

The cause of cervical lymphadenitis in adults can be syphilis or tuberculosis.

In cases where the course of cervical lymphadenitis is recurrent, enlarged lymph nodes are often a sign of impaired immunological reactivity (in other words, immunodeficiency or dysfunction of the immune system) or Hodgkin lymphoma (a malignant tumor that develops from lymphoid tissues).

When the body becomes infected, its lymphatic system is one of the first to respond to the pathological process. And this is manifested primarily by enlarged lymph nodes. In most cases, there is no need to be afraid of such manifestations, since malignant cells are present in the tissues of the lymph nodes only in rare cases. A cause for concern should be the progression of cervical lymphadenitis, accompanied by a significant enlargement of the lymph nodes (when their diameter is three centimeters or more), severe hyperemia (excessive redness) of the skin located above the affected node, as well as soreness of the node itself.

Symptoms of cervical lymphadenitis

The main sign of the development of lymphadenitis is the appearance of characteristic compactions in the area of ​​the lymph nodes located on the neck. The skin that surrounds such a seal may be somewhat swollen, and palpation causes pain. The progression of the disease is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Headaches;
• Feeling of general malaise, increased weakness;
• Increased body temperature (this symptom is characteristic of acute lymphadenitis);
• Decreased appetite;
• Manifestations of general intoxication of the body (intoxication mainly occurs with cervical lymphadenitis in children).

For all patients, it is very important to prevent the disease from developing into its acute or chronic form, since this is fraught with quite serious complications.

Thus, acute lymphadenitis, which is a complication of some other inflammatory process, is complemented by severe suppuration in the lymph nodes, a sharp increase in temperature of more than 38 degrees, and a change in the appearance of the affected lymph node (it begins to resemble a boil). In the absence of timely treatment, cervical lymphadenitis develops into adenoma or sepsis.

Chronic cervical lymphadenitis is a problem for people who have impaired immune system function. Even a minor cold causes swollen lymph nodes. Despite the fact that they can be quite large in size, there is no pain when palpated, and suppuration of the node, characteristic of the acute form of the disease, is usually absent. Chronic lymphadenitis is often one of the main symptoms of tuberculosis.

Cervical lymphadenitis in children

In children, lymphadenitis develops very actively. In this case, the condition is accompanied by headaches, high fever, deterioration of sleep and appetite, swelling of the neck and intoxication. Manifestations of intoxication are especially pronounced in children under one year of age. At the same time, their lymph nodes are practically not palpable (which is due to their small size).

The inflammatory process, which has become chronic, is characterized by normal health (and, in particular, normal temperature) against the background of enlarged lymph nodes.

In its advanced form, the disease causes torticollis, myocarditis, significant weight loss and other complications.

Cervical lymphadenitis in adults

Cervical lymphadenitis in adults has symptoms similar to lymphadenitis in children, however, it often provokes more serious diseases, including HIV, diseases that affect the endocrine system, and cancer.

In addition, in adults, enlarged lymph nodes can be a reaction to alcohol abuse, allergies or metabolic disorders.

Treatment of cervical lymphadenitis

An integrated approach is used in treating the disease. Firstly, the doctor, depending on the nature of its course, prescribes the patient to follow a certain regimen and a special diet. Secondly, after determining the cause of the development of the pathological process, drug treatment is prescribed to eliminate it, and in some cases, anti-inflammatory drugs (Medrol or prednisolone, for example). Thirdly, physiotherapeutic measures (electrophoresis, UHF or galvanization) are prescribed.

In cases where conservative therapy does not give the expected effect, surgical treatment of cervical lymphadenitis is resorted to.

For two thousand years, medical science has discovered many diseases and their causes. A considerable part of them are caused by microorganisms. Bacteria and viruses tend to settle inside the body and create a variety of painful symptoms. The immune system responds with inflammation and fever. In isolated cases, disease and immunity merge in place and time. Cervical is a rare situation of disease and protection in one person.

Lymphadenitis and the body's immune defense

Immunity is omnipresent. Total control requires the constant presence of defenders in all corners of the body. White blood cells are the most mobile immune fighters. They monitor the state of affairs directly in organs and tissues. If necessary, reinforcement is quickly delivered through blood vessels directly to the site of inflammation.

The human immune system consists of several organs

The first level of protection is not always able to contain the onslaught of infection. For this case, nature has provided a second one - lymph nodes. Not only cellular waste products, but also pathogenic bacteria and viruses come here and are neutralized. Trained immune cells are concentrated in the lymph nodes. Nature has created such protective formations in all areas of the body. There are especially many lymph nodes concentrated in the neck area. The reason is the need to create reliable protection against infection that enters every day with food and inhaled air.

Cervical lymphadenitis is a term that implies the presence of inflammation in the lymph nodes located in the back of the head, behind the ears, under the lower jaw and along large vessels and nerves. The disease is so unpretentious that it occurs equally often in people of both sexes and all ages. The reasons are varied. But in all cases, the disease is a reflection of the intense struggle between the immune system and infection.

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Forms and varieties of the disease

Lymphadenitis is varied in its causes and manifestations. Based on these signs, several forms of the disease are distinguished:

Causes and mechanisms of development

Lymphadenitis is a rare case when an organ suffers from a disease and simultaneously stops it. The lymph nodes in the neck protect several important organs from infections. Their inflammation is one of the main causes of the development of lymphadenitis. The infection initially appears in the tonsils, paranasal cavities, inner and middle ear, skin and subcutaneous fat. Microbes spread to the lymph nodes through the lymphatic vessels. Any purulent process in this area will cause cervical lymphadenitis. The most common pathogens in this case are Streptococcus pyogenus and Staphylococcus aureus.

The second typical scenario is the penetration of infection directly from the blood. In this case, the microbes tend to get into the lymph nodes, where they will multiply and continue their destructive activities. The causative agents of lymphadenitis can be both viruses and bacteria:

In the last two cases, the inflammation is specific. In the thickness of the lymph nodes, immune cells surround the pathogen microbe. This group is called granulomas. In other cases, inflammation is accompanied by the appearance of fluid, in which the fight between the pathogen and white blood cells occurs. Initially, the fluid is clear and is called serous. Over time, dead leukocytes turn it into a cloudy substance with a yellowish tint - pus. A local area of ​​pus accumulation - an abscess - breaks through without timely intervention, and the inflammation spreads further into the fatty tissue.

Lymphadenitis - video

Symptoms and signs

Cervical lymphadenitis in adults and children is manifested by typical symptoms of inflammation:

Lymphadenitis in children - video

Diagnosis methods

To establish a correct diagnosis, the help of a specialist is necessary. The doctor must establish the primary focus of the disease, the nature of the inflammation of the lymph nodes and the nature of the causative microorganism. For this purpose, laboratory tests and instrumental research methods are prescribed:

• The lymph nodes of the neck are accessible to external examination. The doctor can easily determine which glands are enlarged and the approximate primary source of infection. Based on the severity of the symptoms, the specialist will suggest the form of the disease - catarrhal or purulent;
• A standard blood test is required if cervical lymphadenitis is suspected. Blood clearly shows signs of inflammation in the body: the number of white cells (leukocytes) increases, accelerates (the rate of sedimentation of red blood cells - erythrocytes - to the bottom of the test tube);
  With lymphadenitis, the number of leukocytes in the blood increases
• bacteriological examination of pus is one way to determine the specific type of bacteria that caused the inflammation. To do this, it is placed on a nutrient medium and maintained at body temperature. The specialist also conducts a test for the sensitivity of the pathogen to various antibiotics;
• Ultrasound is a safe and modern diagnostic method. With its help, you can easily look inside the damaged organ, determine its size, and identify areas of accumulation of pus;
  Ultrasound is the main method for diagnosing lymphadenitis
• tomography is a more accurate diagnostic method. Several images obtained using CT or MRI allow you to evaluate the anatomy of the lymph node and the condition of neighboring organs and tissues;
• biopsy - examination of a stained area of ​​a lymph node under a microscope. The method is used to diagnose lymphadenitis of a specific nature - tuberculosis, syphilitic;
  A biopsy often finalizes the diagnosis
• immune diagnostics (ELISA, PCR) - modern methods for detecting antibody proteins in the blood against a specific type of pathogen. In this way, all types of microorganisms can be detected - bacteria, including syphilis and tuberculosis, as well as viruses (for example, immunodeficiency).

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Treatment methods

Treatment of lymphadenitis, depending on its nature, is carried out by a surgeon, venereologist, phthisiatrician, and infectious disease specialist. As a rule, several therapeutic methods are used - medication, physiotherapy, and in some cases surgery.

Drug treatment

Prescription of medications is the main method of treating lymphadenitis. It is used both in the early stages of inflammation and when the disease passes into a purulent form. Antimicrobial agents are mandatory. The choice of a specific antibiotic depends on the expected nature of the pathogen - streptococcus, staphylococcus, Koch's bacillus or Treponema pallidum. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed to relieve general symptoms of the disease. For purulent forms, local treatment is used - antibiotics and antiseptics.

Pharmacological agents for the treatment of cervical lymphadenitis - table

Drugs for the treatment of lymphadenitis - photo gallery

Augmentin is an antibiotic from the penicillin group Ceftriaxone is a broad-spectrum antibiotic Rifampicin is an anti-tuberculosis drug Doxycycline is effective against Treponema pallidum Miramistin - a universal antiseptic Levomekol - ointment for external use Nurofen is an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drug
Dexalgin - a drug for fever and pain

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is an effective method of treating lymphadenitis. Physical factors are used in the initial stages of inflammation, before the formation of a purulent focus:

• UHF therapy effectively relieves inflammation;
• ultraviolet light training has disinfecting properties;
• Laser therapy accelerates the healing process and prevents the formation of scars and adhesions.

Surgery

The help of a surgeon will be required in case of purulent lymphadenitis. The intervention should ensure the removal of dead tissue and pus from the lesion. For this purpose, the lymph node abscess is opened and drained under local anesthesia. After the intervention, antiseptic solutions and antibacterial ointments are used to wash and treat the lesion.

Lymphadenitis is a serious disease that requires medical intervention and proper treatment. Traditional methods are not used in this situation.

Prognosis and complications

The outcome of lymphadenitis is usually favorable. An acute purulent process with adequate treatment leads to recovery. Inflammation of a tuberculous and syphilitic nature often becomes chronic. Failure to see a doctor in a timely manner can lead to the development of complications:

• diffuse purulent inflammation of subcutaneous fat - phlegmon;
• systemic infectious disease - sepsis;
• purulent inflammation of the fatty tissue of the heart and lungs - mediastinitis;
• inflammation of the veins - thrombophlebitis;
• the formation of blood clots thrombi inside the vessels.

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Prevention

To prevent the development of purulent lymphadenitis, the following recommendations must be followed:

• promptly treat diseases of the tonsils, pharynx, middle and inner ear, paranasal sinuses, teeth and gums;
• get vaccinated against infectious diseases (for example, BCG) in a timely manner;
• undergo an annual fluorographic examination (the Mantoux test is provided for children);
• treat minor wounds and cuts on the skin of the face and neck (including after shaving) with an antiseptic.

Cervical lymphadenitis is a disease that directly speaks to the fight between infection and the immune system. The use of antibiotics can overcome this serious disease. Timely consultation with a doctor with acute and chronic diseases of the teeth, pharynx, and nose will help to avoid such a situation.

Lymphadenitis in the neck is a fairly common problem that occurs in both children and adults. A similar disease is accompanied and occurs against the background of infection activity. So what are the causes and symptoms of the inflammatory process?

Lymphadenitis in the neck and its causes

It's no secret that the main function is to protect the body from infection, since this is where some types of white blood cells are produced and mature. Enlargement and inflammation of the node indicate the penetration of viruses, bacteria or fungal orgasms into the body.

Lymphadenitis in the neck can occur against the background of various diseases, in particular sinusitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis, and otitis. In addition, the source of infection can be carious teeth, inflamed gums or the oral mucosa. Rubella, colds, mononucleosis, flu - all these diseases can be classified as risk factors. Much less often, pathogenic microorganisms enter the lymph nodes of the neck from internal organs.

Lymphadenitis in the neck and its symptoms

The main signs of the disease directly depend on the degree of its development. Acute lymphadenitis of the neck occurs in three stages:

Of course, lymphadenitis in the neck can cause other symptoms. Some patients already in the initial stages experience a strong increase in temperature, weakness, drowsiness, muscle aches, and heaviness in the body. Depending on the primary disease, a runny nose, sore throat, nausea and other problems may occur.

Lymphadenitis in the neck and its complications

Of course, with qualified medical care, the inflammatory process can be easily eliminated with the help of medications. But in some cases, lymphadenitis ends with an abscess or the formation of phlegmon. Particularly dangerous complications include sepsis, toxic shock syndrome, and the development of rheumatism.

Lymphadenitis in the neck: treatment

Of course, severe enlargement of the lymph nodes is a good reason to visit the doctor's office. In this case, the main goal of the specialist is to determine the primary disease, since if the cause is eliminated, the inflammatory process in the lymph nodes may die out on its own. Patients are advised to have bed rest, warmth and rest, a balanced diet and plenty of fluids. In some cases, anti-inflammatory and painkillers are prescribed, in particular ibuprofen. In the presence of a purulent process, surgical intervention is necessary.

Very often, when visiting a doctor, patients, hearing the diagnosis, are frightened by incomprehensible terms, because they do not know what such a disease can mean, especially if they have not encountered it before. Behind the frightening word “lymphadenitis” actually lies a common inflammation of the nodes of the lymphatic system. Such a disease is not a death sentence, but in any case it should not be left to chance, since untimely treatment of lymphadenitis can lead to unpleasant consequences . But before starting treatment, it is necessary to understand why lymphadenitis occurs, what its symptoms are and what form this disease can take.

What is lymphadenitis?

Lymphadenitis is an inflammatory process that occurs in the nodes of the lymphatic system, that is, in the lymph nodes. These nodes are peripheral organs that contain very important cells responsible for protecting the body. These cells have a close relationship with the circulatory system. You can imagine the lymph nodes as a kind of filters that do not allow harmful substances into the body and prevent them from spreading.

Lymph nodes become inflamed most often due to infection, i.e. infection of the body by microorganisms that cause disease. Bacteria are carried throughout the body by blood and lymph, and settle in the lymph nodes, causing their inflammation. Depending on the type of infection, lymph nodes in different parts of the body may become inflamed. Thus, lymphadenitis in most cases is a consequence of some infectious process occurring in the body.

Many people confuse the concepts with “lymphadenitis” because these words sound similar. In fact, only the second is the name of the disease, since the first is only a symptom or a painless reaction of the body to a rather serious pathology (AIDS, syphilis, etc.). Of course, in such cases the diagnosis requires clarification. Only after examination and testing is the patient diagnosed with lymphadenitis.

Common causes and types of lymphadenitis

The most common reason due to which lymphadenitis occurs, as noted above, is some kind of disease in the body. Most often, lymph nodes become infected during inflammatory processes of an acute and chronic nature. These can be ulcers, ulcers, boils, fistulas. Less commonly, lymphadenitis occurs with common infectious diseases.

When an infection enters a lymph node, it becomes inflamed and increases in size. This occurs due to the accumulation of cells responding to an inflammatory response in the area where the bacteria has entered. Either one lymph node or several nearby can become inflamed. Such lymphadenitis will be called regional.

The most common localizations of lymphadenitis

Types of lymphadenitis, depending on what part of the body the inflamed nodes are located in, are called differently:

• Cervical;
• Submandibular;
• Inguinal;
• Axillary;
• Parotid;
• Mesenteric (or mesadenitis)…

Lymphadenitis of the listed types is more common than others.

Symptoms of lymphadenitis

One symptom common to all possible types of lymphadenitis is an outwardly noticeable increase in inflamed lymph nodes in the area into which the infection has penetrated, causing the inflammatory process.

Cervical

Cervical lymphadenitis is expressed, as the name implies, by inflammation of the lymph nodes located in the neck. Pressing on the formed compaction of the lymph nodes causes pain. In addition to inflammation with cervical lymphadenitis, the general health of the patient worsens, he develops a headache and fever.

In the acute form of this type of disease, severe suppuration forms in the area of ​​the lymph nodes. Both children and adults are equally susceptible to this disease, however, cervical lymphadenitis occurs faster in children, but with more unpleasant symptoms such as headaches, severe pain when pressing the lymph nodes, temperature (38⁰ and above), sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, and also the formation of severe swelling of the neck.

Submandibular

Submandibular lymphadenitis begins with mild pain when pressing behind the ear or under the jaw. At the initial stage, the nodes move under the skin and do not interfere with chewing or smiling at all. On the third day, the patient develops a clearly visible painful swelling under the jaw, which gradually increases in size and begins to occupy the entire submandibular part of the face, sometimes even going down the neck to the collarbone. If left untreated, unpleasant symptoms may include swelling and redness of the mucous membrane on the side of the mouth where the inflammation is located.

If such lymphadenitis is not treated at this stage, subsequently everything will become even sadder, since the pain will turn into a pulling-shooting pain, the person’s temperature will rise, and the skin of his face will gradually turn from red to burgundy. When the pus starts to come out towards the skin, it will turn blue.

In the groin

A noticeable enlargement and thickening of the lymph nodes located in the groin is the first sign of inguinal lymphadenitis. These symptoms, as the disease progresses, are usually accompanied by an increase in temperature and pain in the lower abdomen, especially pronounced when moving. Also, with lymphadenitis in the groin, the skin at the site of inflammation often turns red, and the patient may feel a general loss of strength. If inflammation is not treated, it can spread not only to the nearest, but also to all lymph nodes of the body.

Axillary area

Axillary lymphadenitis has symptoms similar to all other types of this disease: inflammation leads to an increase in the size of the nodes, and when pressing on them, the patient experiences pain. Having developed into a purulent form (and this will happen if treatment is not taken in time), lymphadenitis in the armpits can unite all nodes of the lymphatic system with general inflammation, thereby spreading the disease throughout the body.

Forms of lymphadenitis

According to the duration of the disease, lymphadenitis can be, like many other diseases, acute and chronic, according to the type of infectious agent - specific and non-specific, according to its progression - purulent and non-purulent.

Acute lymphadenitis characterized by a rapidly progressive course of the disease, when symptoms gradually increase and, with appropriate treatment, gradually subside. All this happens in a relatively short period of time.

Chronic lymphadenitis lasts for a long time, can last up to several months or even years. Usually this form of the disease is associated with other chronic diseases of the body, which make themselves felt from time to time.

Nonspecific lymphadenitis is caused by various pyogenic microbes - staphylococci, streptococci and others, as well as the toxins they secrete and the products of tissue breakdown at the site of the purulent process.

Specific lymphadenitis occurs with diseases such as syphilis, tuberculosis, plague, etc.

For purulent lymphadenitis inflammation spreads to the tissue adjacent to the infected node, causing redness and swelling of the tissue, as well as infiltration and suppuration in the node itself, which can burst; in non-purulent inflammation does not extend beyond the lymph node.

Reactive lymphadenitis- this is not a separate form of it, as many people think, but just the name of a rapid process of enlargement of inflamed nodes.

Video: purulent forms of infectious inflammation - why are they dangerous?

Causes of lymphadenitis, taking into account localization

Cervical

The most common type of lymphadenitis is cervical lymphadenitis. The reason for its appearance is the influenza virus, pneumonia, tonsillitis, purulent tonsillitis, acute respiratory infections and other infectious diseases. Also, the cause of lymphadenopathy of the cervical nodes can be some diseases of the oral cavity that occur sluggishly - gingivitis, periodontal disease, caries.

Submandibular

If the focus of inflammation is in the mouth, submandibular lymphadenitis may occur. The cause may be diseases such as tonsillitis, caries (especially old ones) and various gum diseases.

Inguinal

Widespread inguinal lymphadenitis (inflammation of the nodes of the lymphatic system located in the groin) may be a consequence of a concomitant disease accompanied by inflammation and a sign of a sexually transmitted disease. There is an opinion that in children, groin lymphadenitis is much less common than in adults. Any injury with infection in the groin area can also cause this type of inflammation, but only in people with an overly weakened immune system.

Axillary

Do not be surprised if a doctor examining a patient calls the cause of axillary lymphadenitis inflammation of the tonsils or caries. Bacteria carried by lymph can enter the axillary lymph nodes from the chest, shoulder girdle, as well as from the neck or face, resulting in axillary lymphadenitis.

More rare localizations

A puncture of the ear that causes suppuration, squeezing out a blackhead with accidental introduction of dirt into the wound and other injuries leading to an inflammatory process can cause parotid lymphadenitis, which is considered the most dangerous because it can lead to meningitis.

The cause of lymphadenitis, most often found in children and called mesenteric (it is formed in the mesenteric nodes), is all common diseases of the upper respiratory tract, as well as inflammation in the tonsils. A disease such as tuberculosis also appears on the list of causes of this type of problem with the lymph nodes.

Treatment of lymphadenitis

Treatment of any type of lymphadenitis requires a mandatory examination by a doctor. Many patients, especially in the initial stage of the disease, think that inflammation of the lymph nodes can be dealt with on their own and delay a visit to a specialist, thereby only worsening their well-being and increasing the chances of the disease turning into a purulent form.

Lymphadenopathy of the cervical nodes, which manifested itself after suffering from influenza, acute respiratory infections and tonsillitis, usually goes away without medication, on its own, although in some cases the doctor may consider it necessary to prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to the patient.

If lymphadenitis has progressed to a serious stage and suppuration has appeared in the lymph nodes, it is necessary to take antibiotics, but not chosen independently, but prescribed by the attending physician, since only a specialist can correctly select the right group of drugs.

In addition to following individual recommendations from your doctor, you can speed up the healing process with the help of physiotherapy, and at home, patients are advised to use anti-inflammatory ointments, take multivitamins and medications that contain large amounts of vitamin C, which the body needs during inflammatory processes.

The patient should drink plenty of water, stay warm and avoid hypothermia. Sometimes, when treatment does not bring results and the suppuration on the lymph nodes does not resolve, it is necessary to perform an operation, during which the suppuration is opened to remove the pus that has accumulated there.

How is submandibular lymphadenitis treated?

Treatment of submandibular lymphadenitis is usually carried out locally with Burov's fluid, and doctors use penicillin to suppress the infection. If suppuration has formed, heating with Sollux and warm lotions is prescribed to resolve it, after getting rid of the source of infection. If a whole group of lymph nodes is inflamed, a surgical intervention is performed, during which a drainage tube is inserted through a submandibular incision to drain the pus.

Inguinal lymphadenitis in men and women is treated in the same way, usually with rest for the patient (limitation of walking and physical activity) and broad-spectrum antibiotics. To get rid of inflammation in the purulent form of lymphadenitis in the groin, opening and draining the source of suppuration is used.

Relief of inflammation in the armpit area

For axillary lymphadenitis, the infection that caused the disease is initially eliminated (usually this is done with antibiotics), after which the patient is prescribed physiotherapy sessions, restorative exercises and cold compresses until complete recovery. Axillary lymphadenitis that has developed into a purulent form requires surgical intervention.

Among those suffering from lymphadenitis, there is a widespread belief about the effectiveness of folk remedies for the treatment of this disease, and there is indeed some truth in this, since traditional medicine can overcome some of the unpleasant symptoms caused by lymphadenopathy. But we should not forget about the other side of the coin: an infection that has caused serious inflammation cannot be dealt with using folk remedies alone, and therefore, before testing the effectiveness of these methods on yourself, you need to consult a doctor.

Video: specialist about lymphadenitis